For Immediate Release July 21, 2015

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Kara de Alvare Marketing Coordinator, Downtown Holland 44 West Ninth Street, Holland, MI 49423 616-796-0472 | [email protected] www.downtownholland.com

AERIAL ACROBATIC GROUP BANGARANG CONTINUES TO WOW CROWDS AT DOWNTOWN HOLLAND STREET PERFORMER SERIES

Holland, MI – Attendees at the Downtown Holland Street Performer Series will have the opportunity to witness the aerial arts and group Bangarang Circus in action this Thursday night, July 23. The Street Performer Series, co-sponsored by Gentex Corporation and Holland Christian Schools, is held every Thursday night in Downtown Holland from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm through August 27. Joining Bangarang this Thursday will be over 30 other performing artists and groups, including musicians, jugglers, caricature artists, face painters, balloon twisters, magicians and so much more! While The Series is free to attend, tipping the performers is highly encouraged. Bangarang Circus is an entertainment troupe that hails from Grand Rapids. The group is comprised of circus enthusiasts trained in a variety of acts, including aerial arts, fire , , stilt walking and acrobatics. Members of the group have opened for nationally touring bands, music festivals, variety showcases and street fairs and teach regular classes to aspiring aerial acrobats. Each Thursday night, they bring their 25-foot high aerial rig to Downtown Holland to entertain the crowds. “We really enjoy participating in the Street Performer Series each summer,” said Rachel Finan, founding member of Bangarang Circus. “It gives us the opportunity to share our love of circus arts with the community.”

Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX) is the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and camera-based active safety systems to the global automotive industry. Based in Zeeland, Michigan, the international company develops, manufactures and markets interior and exterior automatic-dimming automotive rearview mirrors that utilize proprietary electrochromic technology to dim in proportion to the amount of headlight glare from trailing vehicle headlamps.

Home of more than 1,700 students preschool – 12th grade, Holland Christian Schools embraces the educational excellence and a model of teaching and learning that integrates Christian faith into every experience. Holland Christian is a vibrant five-campus school system united by a common mission to equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world of Jesus Christ. As part of their outreach to families in the community, staff from Holland Christian Preschool will host fun and interactive activities during the Street Performer Series free for children under the shelter in front of the Threads on 8th clothing boutique.

The complete lineup for the Street Performer Series on July 23 includes:

Andrew Fathman Andrew is a senior at Hamilton High School who has been practicing magic and illusions for seven years, ever since he discovered his mother was once a magician as well. Andrew prides himself on performing an engaging, family-friendly performance, each and every time.

Audacious Hoops Miss Audacious and the Audacious Hoopers is a dynamic performance group that has been showcasing the best and boldest in professional hoop since 2008. Taking hoop dance to a new level, the Audacious Hoopers incorporate circus tricks, flow skills and audience interaction for an unforgettable experience that wows adults and children alike.

Bangarang Circus Bangarang Circus Arts is a collective of performance artists who share a passion for all things circus and a desire for community. It is their goal to offer the circus arts to everyone who seeks it. Bangarang Circus specializes in aerial arts, hooping and acrobatics.

Ben Comedy Ben's dad taught him how to juggle at the age of four. Since then, Ben has been seen on TruTV's hit show "Fake Off," on cruise ships and on random corners around the world street performing. He will be teaming up with Will Oltman for the Street Performer Series for a dual juggling performance.

Birch and Oak Samuel Boerckel and Chase Ockerse have been playing music together for over three years. They have led their church’s worship team, played in their high school’s jazz and concert bands and performed on the streets of Downtown Holland together.

Brad Lancaster Brad Lancaster has been performing his one-of-a-kind entertainment act for the past 30 years. Each of his performances offers a pervading sense of good, clean humor, quick-wit and surprise that makes his show simply marvelous.

Brass Brothers This young brass duo consists of Jack Joung and Athey Dykhouse. Jack plays the trumpet while Athey plays the tuba.

Bria West Bria is a third-year student and soccer player at Cornerstone University. She has been soccer juggling since she was nine, and has fallen in love with it. She enjoys teaching kids how to play soccer in her free time.

Brother Adams Brother Adams is a 3-piece band from Holland, formed in the spring of 2013. The band consists of brothers Jairimi and Bryce Driesenga, who are joined by Shane Adams. The trio produces a harmony-laden, boot-stompin’, edge-of-your-seat live show and sound that friends and fans have been known to affectionately describe as ‘”saloon rock”.

Calico Calico has been playing at an assortment of local venues for over 20 years. Members Peg Becker, Dave Kinsman, Gary Vruggink, Joe Thorstenson and Jack Dastoli sing and play an eclectic mix of genres on the guitar, banjo, harmonica and percussion.

Caricatures by Corey Ruffin Corey is a nationally-renowned caricaturist, having illustrated for events all over the country. Trained under MAD Magazine’s Tom Richmond, his flair for comedy and exaggeration is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone.

Caricatures by Gene Haulenbeek Gene is an experienced caricature artist who has earned a great reputation for the quality of his work at a number of different venues. Using a black marker and blender, he is happy to draw creative portraits of you and your friends.

Circle Junkeez Crew The Circle Junkeez are a dynamic b-boy style dance crew from Holland who love to perform and entertain audiences. They travel throughout the Midwest and across the United States to battle in -notch break-dancing competitions.

Dale Evenhouse As a Holland Christian graduate and recent retiree, Dale will be making his Street Performer Series debut. He started playing ukulele in 1963 and shortly after picked up the guitar. In the early 70’s, Dale played in coffee houses both solo and with folk groups.

Dan The Magic Man Dan Mutchler is a self-taught balloon artist who performs regularly at birthday parties, scouting events and art fairs. He also volunteers weekly at several nursing homes, performing card tricks and visiting with elderly residents.

Face Painting by Dez Dezarae Begay draws a variety of face paintings, including flowers and cartoon characters, using fluorescent paints, facial glitter and stick on gems. She enjoys entertaining children, including her own son and other young family members, with her face painting.

Greg Hulsebos Greg Hulsebos plays early jazz, blues, country, and gospel mostly from the 1920's and 1930's. He sings and plays guitar and slide guitar. He enjoys playing music from artists like Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, Rev. Gary Davis, Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, Lonnie Johnson and many others.

Henna Tattoos by Anna Schierbeek Anna Schierbeerk is a senior at Kendall College of Art and Design who currently studies drawing and painting. She started her henna tattoo business six years ago and is grateful for the continued the opportunity to participate in the Street Performer Series.

Jaren & Jade LaGore Sisters Jaren and Jade bring a fun energy to the Street Performer Series and have a great time entertaining people with their musical talents. The nine and eleven-year-old duo have a wide range of musical talents including violin, viola, piano, guitar and singing.

Justin and Abigail Justin Merriman and Abigail Postema have both been interested in music from an early age, starting with their school orchestra program in fourth grade. Despite being high school students, this duet shows a talent and knack for performing that is well beyond their years.

Kate Morrissey Kate is a sophomore at Portage Central High School, who has been studying vocal music for five years. She has a unique ability to sing theatrical songs from Broadway hits like “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and “West Side Story.”

Kaylie McConnell Kaylie, a sophomore at West Ottawa High School, has been playing the violin for five years and recently began playing the cello. Kaylie will be returning to the Street Performer Series for the fourth year, and is excited to introduce her new electric violin!

Lane Ellens Lane will be a junior at Hope College this fall. At Hope, Lane is a member of the Worship team, where he will serve as a vocalist and guitar player for this coming year.

Laura and John Laura Brouwer and John Andersen are a singing, electric guitar and acoustic duo. Laura and John have been playing and performing in a praise band together for several years.

Lia Weiss-Gelmi Lia is a ten-year-old who has loved playing piano since the age of three. She loves her piano teacher and enjoys taking her piano lesson during school. She enjoys playing songs such as "Pachabelle in Cannon,” “Fur Elise,” and "Let it Go” from the movie “Frozen.”

Mackenzie TenBrink Twelve-year-old Mackenzie loves to perform, and she is extremely excited to sing and play the guitar and ukulele in the Street Performer Series this year. She hopes to be a music artist when she grows up.

Mady Buursma Mady learned her balloon twisting talents from her mother when she was just 10 years old. She can make 25 different balloon animals, bracelets and swords and enjoys working with children at a variety of community and church events.

Mat Emerick Mat engages the audience with a gift for comedy, mimicry and silent acting reminiscent of great mimes and physical comedians like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Red Skelton. Mat tosses, balances and spins a variety of objects in a juggling show that will both excite and amuse an audience of any age.

McKenzie and Michaela Stock Born and raised in East Lansing, McKenzie and Michaela are a sister duo with an indie- folk sound. They have grown up performing in church and at school. Each sister plays both piano and guitar, and Michaela enjoys singing as well.

Middle Ground Returning for his sixth year in the Street Performer Series, Dan has performed country, folk, pop, and Irish music for 50 years in a multitude of different venues. This year, musician Meredith VanWieren will accompany Dan on guitar and vocals.

Mystic Maribel Garza has been a belly dancer for over 12 years and Middle Eastern dancing is her passion. She has attended a variety of dancing seminars where she gets to meet and continue learning more about the art of belly dancing from professionals.

Robert Engle Robert is a puppet enthusiast and crowds love to watch his puppets dance to recorded ragtime music. Robert has performed his show at a variety of different venues, including two nights a week for a full year at street side evening markets in Lampang, Thailand.

Steph Gillett Steph has been apart of the Series for three summers now. She has been singing her entire life and has been studying voice for the past six years. She is so excited to bring her acoustic guitar down to 8th Street for another summer!

Tee & Stina Christina is a teacher at Hudsonville Christian School, while Atealia is the wedding coordinator at Salon Cheveux. Both sing and play at Ridgepoint Church and Calvary Reformed Christian Church regularly.

The Balloon Guy Jim Perry, also known as “The Balloon Guy,” has been twisting balloons for more than 30 years. He can make more than 100 different animals, swords, flowers and hats and has been entertaining crowds at the Street Performer Series since 2006.

The Guesstimation Band Joining the Street Performer Series for the first time, Jonas Edge and Camden Lechenet are two local area high school students who fell in love with street performing last summer. Although their talents are vast, Jonas plays the guitar and Camden plays his saxophone.

Thumb Buddy Loves You “Thumb Buddy Loves You!” is a multi-generational family art project. Grandma Melody Peterson and her granddaughter Clarissa Kovacs work together to create artwork keepsakes out of a child’s own thumbprint.

Will Juggle Will Oltman has been juggling for over 15 years. You will be impressed by the multitude of objects he can juggle while bantering with the crowd. Clubs, balls and rings, yes, but also traditional cigar boxes, shaker cups, Chinese yo-yo, knives, a hat, cane and more!